NBC Cancels ‘Life,’ Renews ‘SVU’

While everyone was abuzz with NBC’s morning announcements on the new series pick-ups, the network saved two little bombshells for the afternoon portion of its mini upfront presentation in New York Monday.

‘Law & Order: SVU‘ will return “with or without” its leading stars, while ‘Life‘ is over for Damian Lewis’ detective drama.

‘Life’ “will not be coming back” for a third season, according to NBC co-chairman Ben Silverman.

There was also confirmation that ‘SVU’ will be back–even if its leading stars aren’t. Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni are holding out for more money and have yet to renew their contracts.

Marc Graboff, co-chairman of NBC Entertainment, says he hopes they return and there’s “an offer on the table” for them, according to Nikki Finke.

As for holding out on revealing the fates of ‘Chuck,’ Medium,’ and ‘Law & Order,’ NBC has yet to make an official announcement–but is reportedly telling insiders that all three shows will be renewed.

Stay tuned….

More on These Topics: Christopher Meloni | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | Life | Mariska Hargitay